Consumers training center goes green

Consumers EnergyThis is an aerial shoto of the $5 million construction project at the Marshall Training Center for Consumers Energy employees. The center will be powered by wind and solar energy. In the lower left corner of the photo, you can see the utilility poles that are used for pole climbing and training and safety.

The Consumers Energy Marshall Training Center is undergoing a $5 million expansion project to teach employees about green power.

And the building itself will be powered by renewable energy. According to a statement, the project includes two small-scale wind turbines, a fixed-panel solar array, batteries to store the energy and inverters to convert direct current to alternating current.

"The renewable energy additions will be used to train electric service workers and lineworkers in the basic operation of wind and solar power systems," said Dwane Johnson, manager of the Marshall Training Center. "They'll also provide training on how privately-owned wind and solar power systems can safely interconnect with Consumers Energy's electric system."

The Jackson-based utility says said renewable energy will power the facility inside and out. Excess electricity produced will be fed into the grid for use by customers.

Plans for the building call for it to be Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certified, by the U.S. Green Building Council.

The facility will also contain a large indoor pole, for workers to climb to enhance their training and will be one of the few in such facilities in the U.S., according to the utility.